THERE was double success for two Swindon performing arts venues as they found themselves topping the lists of national venues at an awards ceremony, taking home a highly coveted prize.

The Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre have won not one, but two national awards for excellence in a recent awards summit, including the highly coveted Venue Of The Year prize.

The annual summit was hosted at the Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe on Tuesday, October 6.

The event celebrated theatres from across the country that are managed by HQ Theatres and Hospitality Group - the second largest theatre operator in the UK.

The Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre were recognised for many different aspects including financial achievements, mystery visit scores, health and safety audit scores and public profile through marketing.

As well as topping the list of nine national venues, Swindon’s premiere entertainment provider also took home the award for Best Team, recognising the successful integration of Swindon Arts Centre, which was taken over by the company in April 2014.

Derek Aldridge, director of both Swindon venues, said: “I am always proud to lead the teams at Swindon Theatres but never more so than to see them recognised by HQ Theatres in this way. 

“The staff here are extremely dedicated to providing the best experiences to our customers and performers and it was particularly appropriate that their teamwork and co-operation was rewarded.”